Gary Franklin Coldren

Gary F. Coldren, 76, of Marion, TX, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, February 7, 2026. He fought a long battle to stay on this earth with his family. 

Gary was born on February 26, 1949 to Leon Coldren and Mary Garner Coldren in Chattanooga, TN. As a military family, they moved around a bit until El Paso, TX, where he attended Andress High School. He joined the football team, and this began one of his lifelong hobbies. After high school, Gary joined the United States Air Force and married Kerry J. Jennings. 

Gary served 20 years in the Air Force as a jet engine mechanic. His career took him to Florida, Arizona, Thailand (in support of the Vietnam War), Arkansas, Germany (where they traveled a lot seeing as much Europe as they could) and finally retiring in Marion, Texas. He continued to work on planes at Boeing until official retirement. 

Because of his love for football, many knew him as Coach Coldren or Coach Gary. He served as a coach to many youths throughout his career and after. Gary established the Cibolo Creek Youth Organization in Cibolo, Texas, and also coached at Antonian College Preparatory High School in San Antonio. 

If Gary wasn't coaching, he was working on cars. He loved classic cars! From riding around with his family in his 1955 Chevy Nomad, to rebuilding a 1967 Barracuda and many others. He was very involved in the Mopar Muscle Club of San Antonio. 

Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kerry Coldren; daughters, Kimberly Burton (Erik Burton) and Tisha Horton (Michael Horton); grandchildren, Kamrien Willms, Michael Willms, and Nathen Willms, Trey Burton, Joshua Coldren, Colin Horton, Brett Horton and Alec Horton. 

Gary is also survived by his siblings, Greg Coldren, Emily Beattie, and Ron Coldren. 

Gary is reuniting with his son Robert, and grandchild, Ryan in heaven. 

The Funeral Service, featuring full United States Air Force honors, will take place at 12:30PM on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Schertz Funeral Home.